Oh yeah - a very creative trip down memory lane (with some help from the AI friends)

ROFLOL

It took a while - and eventually we got it right - done dusted

The instructions to the Chat-gpt thing were straight forward - scan a specific section of the blog, analyze the text / images - and make it into a 4 verse lyrics with refrain!

Output:

I reviewed the January and February 2014 material I could locate from Oldbear News. The recurring themes are remarkably song-friendly: life in Christchurch, Austrian visitors, long journeys and New Zealand distances, family and friendship, scouting, Kiwi wildlife, holidays around the South Island, good food, farewells, and the author's fascination with numbers and anniversaries. The February posts especially revolve around visitors from Austria, Christchurch, Dunedin, Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs, trains, travel, and the bittersweetness of saying goodbye.  

Full song text below

Then came the fun part:

Set these lyrics to a 1950's Doo-wop style song / female voice singer / make an album cover and insert a (bear) image from the theme!

Of course there were limitations and we had to do several work runarounds and tweaking and scripting and re-visiting the actually created wav file and - well - we got there!!!

 

Doris / Wilfried / Bernie - This is for you!!!

 

 The Starting point:

https://oldbearnews.blogspot.com/2014/01/austrian-bed-and-breakfast-is-receving.html

The blog times from old:

https://oldbearnews.blogspot.com/2015/01/one-year-to-day-ago-in-new-zealand_19.html

 

RESULT:

 

 

 The workings:

I’ve turned those themes into an original four-verse 1950s doo-wop song, rather than copying phrases from the blog.

“Down Under, Heart to Heart”

Down Under, Heart to Heart — 1950s Doo-Wop Song

VERSE 1

Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, ba-da-da-da,
Down in Christchurch where the south winds blow,
A suitcase landed from a long way home,
From Vienna's streets to the land of snow.
Kiwi birds hiding, penguins by the sea,
Friends from Austria came to laugh with me,
We drove those highways, mile after mile,
With a little bit of sunshine and a whole lot of smile.

*Ooo-wee, baby, don't you know,
New Zealand's got a long way to go!
Sha-la-la, wherever we roam,
Every road keeps leading us home.

---

VERSE 2

Ram-a-lam-a, ding-dong-ding,
Kaikōura calling and the sea lions sing,
The train ran late, but we didn't care,
We had good friends and time to spare.
Hanmer Springs and the hot pools too,
Conical Hill with a mountain view,
A little cake, a little wine,
A little adventure makes a memory fine.

Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, travelling free,
From the mountains down to the sea,
Hey now, darling, come along,
Turn that journey into a song.

---

VERSE 3

Doo-run, doo-run, ba-da-bing,
Thirty years ago I touched this shore,
Now half a lifetime's knocking at the door.
Numbers on the paper, anniversaries too,
Years of scouting and a family crew.
Twenty years together in the scouting game,
Boys grew older but the love stayed the same,
Every little number has a story to tell,
And every old memory rings like a bell.

Oh-oh-oh, thirty years,
Count the laughter, count the tears,
From the old world to the southern sun,
Look how far this bear has run.

---

VERSE 4

Shoo-bop, shoo-bop, don't say goodbye,
There were tears at the airport as the planes took the sky.
Twenty-four hours till the visitors land,
But friendship doesn't care about distance or sand.
So raise up a glass and remember the day,
The roads we travelled and the words we would say.
When the suitcase is packed and the journey begins,
The best part of travelling is the friends that you win.

Sha-la-la, the memories stay,
Even when the traveller goes away,
Doo-wop, doo-wop, hearts beat true,
Down under, old bear, me and you.

CODA — spoken/sung

Ba-da-da-da... shoo-bop... shoo-bop...
Thirty years, a thousand miles,
Good friends, good food, and Kiwi smiles...
Down under, heart to heart...
That's where the old bear's story starts.

 

The song draws particularly from the February travel/visitor series and the February 27 reflection on 30 years in New Zealand, while incorporating the broader travel-and-food character visible in the January material.

I can also create an image of the song as a vintage 1950s record sleeve, with an old teddy-bear character, Christchurch/New Zealand scenery, and doo-wop typography.

  

Have fun! / Tener Alegria!!

 

The Austrian changes colours (and citizenship)

Did you hear about the chap who got arrested for spying - he carried 5 valid passports and the reason given was - which person would carry 5???  Two are understandable - maybe even 3 in some circumstances - but 5????

Usually - you would associate a passport with citizenship - eg being a citizen of a particular country.  Of course - here in 2018/9 the issue of citizenship and changes thereof along with Immigration are a very hot and contemptuous  topic.  People have moved around - always since we climbed down from the tree and started to walk upright!  It is what defines us as humans - the thirst for discovery and new things and places.  We have a curious quest for discoveries.  So ever since we left that proverbial tree we moved around the country side - often just for no other reason then a new source of meat / berries etc and other times simply because we could.  Back in those days - humanity was way less then 1 billion folks - so a rare breed. In some places you could move for years and not meet another human.   Then folks discovered that actually right here is not a bad place - plenty of meat walking by or grazing permanently and lots of seasonal greenery - eventually learning to move from Hunter-gatherer to being Farmer. The need to move around and keep hunting / gathering was replaced with a "security" for your survival by having a source of food permanently and plentiful close by.  The Farmers quickly learned that their particular patch of earth is worth something so needed or wanted to protect that and themselves and voila - the first Wall was build around their own settlement - in order to keep themselves save and intruders (both in animals and other humans) out.

Sounds familiar???? 

Today we have many tribes scattered  around the globe - and of course all still have a  "border-wall" - a means of controlling who can and cannot simply walk in.  Each tribe had several "crossing points" or in the olden days - GATES - which you crossed every-time you wanted to leave your village or city or country thus controlling who was allowed in and out and stay.  In that sense nothing - and I do mean nothing has changed since the olden days when we build fences around our 3 or 5 huts.

What defined you as being a citizen of that particular group of people? Usually your birth.  Eg you were born into that community.  In some cases travelers would arrive and an exchange of goods and services as well as ideas on almost anything would take place at a mutual agreeable time and fashion.  Sometimes that traveler would meet someone rather special or fill a need and stay beyond a friendly meet and greet time - and eventually settle down in the new village/town etc.  In doing so said traveler would become part of the new community - warts and all.  Contribution by the 'immigrant' to the greater good was a given.

In my case - I met a Kiwi Girl who innocently flattered her eyelids and said to me - 'You do me'!  I got hitched and after a while we made a decision to stay in the great Kiwi-land!  I was always known as 'That Austrian'!  Which is quite natural - after all the locals who lived here for generations would always see me (for as long as they live) as the dude who came from another country.  Certainly at first.  Then there is my accent - seems it is still a bit unusual - even though I now speak perfectly kiwi lingo and given my heritage away.  However after 30 years of living here  - it was time to make it official.  Basically you give up your rights as a dude from one tribe and pledge to part of the new group of people.  Sounds simple??  yes and no!!

In my case - I had to give up my Austrian citizenship.   That's Ok!  There was a time when you could have dual citizenship - and the rules changed at least once if not 2 or 3 times.  Other countries will be more forgiving.  Personally - I cannot see how you can serve two masters at the same time - especially if they are so far apart - so no problemo for me in this matter. 
In short - I went from red- white-red to black and white!! Also I am pretty sure I done my bit for the greater good in the new living place.

Globalization, mass tourism, ease of travel and communication across the globe  challenge all of the old established understandings (citizenship / hospitality etc)  and the various systems established which we have developed and are commonly and instinctively understood (ingrained even) ever since we climbed down from that proverbial tree.  It is not too surprising that some tribes close-up shop.
Change is never easy.
So they go back to the familiar and comfort.  After all - even in to-days world - your local tribal identity still defines you.  The only question remaining is: - will we always be a planet with lots of local tribes and identity or will we move into a truly global single tribe?

These are interesting times we live in.




Have fun!

The Bear celebrates 30 years of marriage

yeah

30 years ago to this day - I very calmly  walked into Durham St Methodist Church and says - "Yes - I do" amongst other things.
Funny how things work out.
I was supposed to be here for a years worth of voluntary work - and then got "stuck"!  These Kiwi Gal's are just to tempting and a very beautiful - and one of them in particular!!   How could one resist??  Honestly!?!
Somehow everyone in Europe knew before I left - with all of them saying - " ah he finds a girl and marries and  . . . . "   yeah right!  yes right alright! Wouldn't do anything different given the chance . . . . .

 After the church - off to the gardens for some traditional pictures.

 The bridge of marriage - one of the favorite places to take pictures.  Hmmmm that must be the only second time I wore a tie . . . . .  ever

 The cutting of the cake.  Rumor has it that whoever has their hand on top is wearing the pants at home.

(guess by now you had a good look to see how our hands were placed  ;-)   ) 

 We were a very modern couple already back then.  Proceedings normally require the groom to give a speech, after the - you know - and we did - *cough* well I said two words and then "delegated" urm "volunteered" my newly minted wife to say a few words.  She did well on our behalf!

 Sharing the light finger-food with the rest of the folks.  Emma the flower girl from Pam's next door neighbor, had a good time.

Pssst - a quick kiss and then we got in the Viva and drove off to the honey moon suite - in Oxford were a couple does what . . . . enough said there!   I'm sure you get the picture.  From there we drove to our new place in Wellington.
We did have a few nights at a certain Bach in Picton and - still remember having to unpack the car (as in take out ALL of the wedding gifts - no easy feat as it was packed solid up to the roof - no room for even a mouse) to get to the spare tire and change that - then RE-pack everything and having the tire fixed later in Wellington . . . .   Amazingly it all fitted back in . .
It did look funny - us on the side of the road and presents all over the grass and things . . . . 


hmmm I did look skinny back then.  Marriage obviously suited - I gained a wife and 25 kg!

  
Within these 30 years of bliss, we traveled 3 times to Europe, had 2 strapping boys, bought a house (now mortgage free), and I did 17 years worth in Scouting - being away on 215 camping nights (and still counting), survived a 7.1 and 6.3 earthquake, and fell in love with two places in NZ - Whitianga and Tekapo

Soon we go to Australia (for a treat)  - and have 10 nights in a campervan there - arriving in Brisbane and somehow we have to find Sydney, -- shouldn't be to hard.  If we survive that as a couple we then plan to sell the house and buy ourselves a Campervan (xtra large) and tour around NZ for a full year before retiring to Whitianga . . .    (well - thats the plan for later)

gotta go and prep - urm dessert I think, then the ironing, gardening.
hmmmm maybe something else ^.0  *grins*

shhhhhh my lips are sealed . . . . .

one year ago to the day in NZ - The End - or is it?

13/2/2015
All good things have to come to an end
I know I'm no Shakespeare nor a Bard
Writing poems is at times very hard
grateful though your ear you did me lend

I s'pose the text version collected in full
Some of you consider to have in print
these ugly words supposedly in condition mint
you are free to do and that's no bull

Save you the time to scroll and copy
see the verses below all orderly lined
go for it - I assure you I don't mind
to copy and miss one day would be sloppy

Add any pictures to the words do feel free
I printed mine into a clear-file folder
thus becoming my special memory holder
getting forgetful I need all the help, you see

To write was a pleasure truly all mine
I hope you enjoyed the short story
from last years travel in all its glory
Relax now I will with a glass of wine

---------------------------    



19/1/2014
Travelling across the equator they came
to find a special kiwi and his soul mate
The big bird circled and they were not late
being happy to walk on terra firma again

20/1/2014
Meeting people and finding new places all terrific
across the earth they came in a big plane
due to lack of sleep not feeling very sane
thus dipping their toes into a not so warm pacific

To a special meal we were invited over
sitting down to eat with style and wine
chatting in Germ-inglish while we dine
Closing the meal with a traditional Pavlova

21/1/2014
Near New Zealand in the southern hemisphere
Exists a special place so very large, white and cold
A place where penguins share stories new and old
keeping warm with 7 layers of clothing you wear

22/1/2014
With a Rue Jolie and many a French place’
Near Christchurch is this place so very French
The Codfish and wine there is devine for any Mensch
Even Hector - a native kiwi shows his face’

23/1/2014
Across the flat land and across two Passes
The water coming down in great big falls
we stop for a look and hears the native calls
The birds there are cheeky, and show their asses

Going over to Hokitika on our coast
tiered from the days toil the sun was dipping
into the Tasman the red disk was slipping.
We cheered with a salut and a toast

24/1/2014
Visiting to see some pancakes on the rocks
Taking our time because we are in no rush
leisurly strolling through the native bush
and cooling of in the river without our socks

25/1/2014
Walking amongst the very top of the trees
Seeing the ground and ferns from up high
Hearing the cameras click and many a sigh
Climbing higher to get a view as far as the eye sees

25/1/2014
Long ago the snow transmorphed into blue ice
to Franz Jospeh and Fox it slipp' down the valley
it did'nt taste so great to Su and Sally
being just water with no sugar and spice

26/1/2014
Back across the two passes we travelled again
lunch in a remote place with some typical NZ Kai
Golden crusted and a deliciousy tasty pie
didn't see much of our scenery  'cause we had torrential rain

27/1/2014
At the shores of this lake is a place so amazing,
when looking out past cross, altar and the baptista
one can't help but contemplating la grande vista
and even in the night sky the stars are blazing

28/1/2014
When visiting out tallest hill named after Mr Cook
it is customary to say salut with a glass of wine
Especially when the skye is blue and sun does shine
Your'r lucky to see his top when you come for a look

29/1/2014
Racing past Benmore and Tarras, all is swell
finding Cromwell town build with fruit and gold
where two rivers meet and the water is so cold
though the sun is warming your soul which is just as well

30/1/2014
From high up a bridge dangles a long rubber
Brave hero volunteers to take the jump
Falling like a brick not floating like flubber
Comes back to earth with a soft bump

30/1/2014
Why did you jump - asks the boss
well yes I did get a voucher as a gift
and for the soul - it is such a lift
to waste that would be such a loss

30/1/2014
Further south there is a town fit for a queen
nestled against a lake very long, deep and blue
The hills around are very remarkable with grey hue
Take my word for it or make sure you have it seen

31/1/2014
Te Anau, Kepler, Hollyford and Milford
A place full of ancient trees and ferns
where your heart tends to ache and yearns
Made ever o' so special by our Lord

1\2\2014
Where a Fjord is not a fjord but rather a sound
The water is so deep and long to get across
Some take a hike and see plenty of green moss
while one chap takes a bird and leaves the ground


2/2/2014
When you get to the most southern end
and when it rains there it gets very rough
Finding nothing will you but a decent Bluff
relaxing in the evening sun and no wind is a god-send

3/2/2014
I  hear you ask 'what is there to see/do in the Catlins?”
Petrified trees, Tui amongst flax, golden sand and waterfalls
Penguins, seals, and definitely no shopping malls
If you lucky you can even swim with some Dolphins

4/2/2014
China and Scotland get mixed in a town called Dunedin
along with a street ever so very steep
and a place on the beach where lovers leap
and the Albatross can be seen to be breedin'

4/2/2014
On the beach are these big round boulders
a breadbasket spilled so local Maori thought
food to eat the local God's had for nought
Blame for the spill the sea alone shoulders

5/2/2014
Into darkness we take them to see a kiwi
otter/ducks look lively despite the rain
almost time to go home just hanging out for a plane
knowing that the journey home will be less dreamy

6/2/2014
Sad day when you have to go and say arrividerci
The eyes mist over and become very teary
lastly raising a glass of bubbly with some berries
when we go over – we will be at their mercy

They met people and finding new places all terrific
to be home again and considering living sane
across the equator  they flew  in a big plane
hoping they will return in a future day specific

Two Austrians were flying out on the day of Waitangi
it is celebrated as our National Holiday
one we left in Dunedin for an extended stay
where black pudding and haggis not part of a Hangi

7/2/2014
A rare day of absolutely nothing planed
basking in the sun and gazing at a moon
2 gone home already and one to go soon
and our holidays are nearly coming to an end


8/2/2014
He came back to Christchurch to meet a special Peach
who taught him how to pick up a special berry
by all accounts everything went well and merry
across the table for a second helping he did reach

9/2/2014
Down under he was and lustily singing in a Choir
it has been a case of long time no see
Reconnecting with folks over a cup of Tea
we sure had one Happy Mister Mayr

10/2/2014
Of by train to the seaside town of Kaikoura
Hoping to see some Dolphins and special Whales
To rough a see it was for the skipper tough as nails
No luck they had despite all their bravoura

11/2/2014
The last day in New Zealand was spent in a good manner
In a place where hot water comes out from the ground
And even a special super sized Frog can be found
Chilling out in  an alpine place called Hamner

After a 5 meter rock has been conquered & climbed
blissful soaking you can do in the hot pools
to unwind your spirit and soul you need no tools
it's a privilege well earned but needs to be timed

12/2/2014
A week passed since we felt a sense of bereft
to work we had to go to earn some dough
back home to his work he also had to go
pretty soon we will have only memories left

Saying good bye is always a hard thing to do
there are the tears and  hugging and kissing
knowing we will be sad and much reminiscing
of good times past and all things we did do



The End
Truly
Finito
No more
Das Ende

La fin
La fine
El final
 

Have fun

:)

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

A week passed since we felt a sense of bereft
to work we had to go to earn some dough
back home to his work he also had to go
pretty soon we will have only memories left

Saying good bye is always a hard thing to do
there are the tears and  hugging and kissing
knowing we will be sad and much reminiscing
of good times past and all things we did do

 to be continued . . .

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

The last day in New Zealand was spent in a good manner
In a place where hot water comes out from the ground
And even a special super sized Frog can be found
Chilling out in  an alpine place called Hamner

After a 5 meter rock has been conquered & climbed
blissful soaking you can do in the hot pools
to unwind your spirit and soul you need no tools
it's a privilege well earned but needs to be timed 

to be continued . . . 

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

Of by train to the seaside town of Kaikoura
Hoping to see some Dolphins and special Whales
To rough a see it was for the skipper tough as nails
No luck they had despite all their bravoura
 

to be continued . . . 


 

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

Down under he was and lustily singing in a Choir
it has been a case of long time no see
Reconnecting with folks over a cup of Tea
we sure had one Happy Mister Mayr

to be continued . . . 

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

He came back to Christchurch to meet a special Peach
who taught him how to pick up a special berry
by all accounts everything went well and merry
across the table for a second helping he did reach

to be continued . . .

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

A rare day of absolutely nothing planed
basking in the sun and gazing at a moon
2 gone home already and one to go soon
and our holidays are nearly coming to an end


 to be continued . . .




 

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

Sad day when you have to go and say arrividerci
The eyes mist over and become very teary
lastly raising a glass of bubbly with some berries
when we go over – we will be at their mercy

They met people and finding new places all terrific
to be home again and considering living sane
across the equator  they flew  in a big plane
hoping they will return in a future day specific

Two Austrians were flying out on the day of Waitangi
it is celebrated as our National Holiday
one we left in Dunedin for an extended stay
where black pudding and haggis not part of a Hangi

 to be continued . . .

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

Into darkness we take them to see a kiwi
otter/ducks look lively despite the rain
almost time to go home just hanging out for a plane
knowing that the journey home will be less dreamy

 To be continued . . .




 

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

On the beach are these big round boulders
a breadbasket spilled so local Maori thought
food to eat the local God's had for nought
Blame for the spill the sea alone shoulders

 to be continued . . .


 

one year ago to the day in New Zealand . . .

China and Scotland get mixed in a town called Dunedin
along with a street ever so very steep
and a place on the beach where lovers leap
and the Albatross can be seen to be breedin'

  to be continued . . .